Ex-Chief Military Prosecutor to Lead Nukhba Terrorist Trials
Former Chief Military Prosecutor Zana Modzgbriishvili will head the unprecedented legal proceedings against over 400 Nukhba terrorists involved in the October 7 massacre.
Attorney Zana Modzgbriishvili, former Chief Military Prosecutor, has been appointed to head the legal apparatus tasked with prosecuting the Nukhba terrorists who participated in the October 7 massacre. This represents one of the most complex and sensitive judicial proceedings in the history of the Israeli legal system, targeting hundreds of terrorists who raided the border communities during the assault.
The newly formed framework will navigate an unprecedented volume of evidence, testimonies, and investigative materials. Modzgbriishvili served in the IDF for 22 years, holding various positions in the Military Prosecution and serving as Chief Military Prosecutor for four years. Following her release in 2013, she was appointed as the investigator of detainee complaints at the Shin Bet within the Ministry of Justice. Recently returning to reserve duty, she served as a prosecutor in the trial of Aviram Perij, who was accused in the death of Yuval Castleman.
Historic Legislation and Charges
The Nukhba Prosecution Law was approved in May by the Knesset plenum in its second and third readings, passing with a 93-0 majority. Initiated by Constitution Committee Chairman Simcha Rothman of Religious Zionism and MK Yulia Malinovskiy of Yisrael Beytenu, the law was formulated in professional collaboration between Justice Minister Yariv Levin and Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara. The legislation establishes the legal framework for the largest trials held in Israel since the Eichmann trial.
Over 400 terrorists are expected to be indicted under charges defining their actions between October 7 and 10 as crimes against the Jewish people, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. The legislation authorizes the court to impose the death penalty not only for the murders of 1,164 citizens and soldiers on October 7 but also for severe offenses such as rape. The law stipulates that terrorists sentenced to death cannot be released in future prisoner exchange deals.
Structure and Proceedings
A special military court will be established in Jerusalem to handle the cases, which will be divided according to geographical arenas, such as Be'eri, Nir Oz, and the Nova music festival. Each judicial panel will consist of three judges, including at least one military court president or district court judge. While the defendants will generally not be present physically, attending via video link from detention facilities, victims' families will be provided dedicated viewing facilities.
